On Sunday afternoon, a large line formed outside the Portland Art Museum’s Whitsell Auditorium for the premiere of the new documentary film, American Winter.

The beautiful and unique film premiered to a sold-out audience.

American Winter gives viewers a glimpse of the lives of eight Portland families who struggled through the U.S.’s economic downturn. The film shows us that even in the richest country in the world, too many of our families fight to pay bills, buy groceries, or care for their sick children.

American Winter was filmed in Portland, but can be easily placed in any town or city in the U.S.

Special thanks to filmmakers Joe and Harry Gantz for bringing this stirring film to life. And thank you to Senator Jeff Merkley, Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek, Mayor Charlie Hales, Commissioner Steve Novick, former Governor Barbara Roberts, and former Mayor Tom Potter for attending and showing support for the film.

Nick would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the families in the film who shared their stories with us.

For more information on American Winter, and to pre-order the DVD of the film, please visit www.americanwinterfilm.com . American Winter will premiere on HBO on March 18 – visit HBO’s website for full listings.